Booths has appointed Nigel Murray as its new chief executive, following a restructuring of its leadership team.
Murray will now lead the family-owned independent grocer’s newly formed executive team, which comprises of senior four roles reporting directly to the CEO, as the 178-year-old retailer looks to deliver its next phase of growth.
As part of the changes, Emma Booth has been promoted to chief brand officer. Appointed to the board last year after joining the business two years ago, she will now oversee brand, marketing and customer functions, including the development of Booths’ direct-to-consumer business.
The retailer said Emma Booth is the sixth generation of the Booth family and the first female family member to join the company.
Rebecca Hardman is to be promoted to chief operating officer, after 13 years at the company, which will see her add manufacturing and logistics and retail development to her current role.
Alongside Hardman, Nicola Karran has been named chief commercial officer, responsible for trading, product development and supply, as well as B2B and wholesale, while Damien McDonald is appointed chief financial officer.
Murray said the creation of the executive team was “a critical enabler” in delivering a broader business strategy,
“We have untapped potential within our brand-reach and also our manufacturing base,” he said. “There are significant opportunities in new markets and with new customers for what we make and develop, be that through other businesses or direct to consumers.
“There is a bright future for the business, in Booths Country and beyond, and this team will enable us to deliver positive change with pace and impact.”
Edwin Booth added: “Booths are proud and skilful retailers in the North of England, and the stores form the core of our brand.
“Looking to the future, we are keen to realise the potential for the Booths brand and the love it evokes across the country.
“I am genuinely excited about this new construct and am obviously proud to see my eldest daughter continue to learn, develop, and progress through the business”.
The leadership restructuring follows a record-breaking Christmas for the retailer, which last month posted strong sales growth across December and the key festive trading period.
Booths reported that like-for-like retail sales rose by 4.9%, while sales during the three-week period ending 3 January increased by 3.8%, marking the third consecutive year of record Christmas sales and a total rise of 24% over the past three years.
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